Federal Bureau finalizes first Alaska Native vietnam veteran land allotments

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Friday, November 5th, 2021 7:48am

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Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - The Bureau of Land Management has finalized the first federal land allotments as part of the Alaska Native Vietnam-era Veteran Land Allotment Program.

In an announcement from the Department of the Interior Thursday, they said this is the third time that federally managed land has been offered to Alaska Native Vietnam veterans, who did not have access to land allotments while serving during the Vietnam War.

The Alaska Native Vietnam Era Veterans Land Allotment Program was established by the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act of 2019. Through the program, BLM lets qualifying veterans to select an allotment of up to 160 acres from unused federal, state or, Native corporations owned lands in Alaska, if the owner agrees to relinquish the property.

BLM has worked with the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, as well as Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs to identify eligible veterans and their families. To date, over 1,400 veterans and families have been contacted to apply, with almost 130 applications received.

“We have a sacred obligation to America’s veterans. I know the sacrifices made by those who serve in our military, and we are committed to ensuring the rights of our Alaska Native Vietnam-era veterans,” said Secretary Deb Haaland, whose father served during the Vietnam War. “The Department will continue to move forward expeditiously so that Alaska Native Vietnam-era veterans are able to select the land allotments they are owed, with an expansive selection area.”

Lands are available for selection through December 29, 2025.

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